About Us

After a six-month investigation, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office and the Municipal Drug Task Force arrested 24 suspects for a total of 73 felony charges on Valentine’s Day.

Avery County Sheriff Kevin Frye said 36-year-old Jeffery Roberts of Florence, South Carolina, 21-year-old Jessica Church of Newland, 48-year-old Jackie Maniette of Newland, 24-year-old Ryan Habig of Beech Mountain, 40-year-old Kenneth Church of Newland, 38-year-old Thomas Dedge, whose residence is unknown (PHOTO NOT RELEASED), and 25-year-old Amanda Camaret of Banner Elk were all arrested and charged with either intent to sale or deliver narcotics.